Monthly Archives: April 2012

Store Spotlight: Jedidiah

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I came across Jedidiah while browsing for information about organizations involved in humanitarian aid. I noticed that a lot of organizations were selling t-shirts to help raise money, so I Googled ‘humanitarian clothing’ and Jedidiah was the first search result.

Founded on the principle of “cultivating change, one garment at a time,” the brand successfully uses fashion and style to assist humanitarian organizations. Using an array of earth tone colors in the brand’s collection of apparel, from artistic graphic t-shirts to a variety of well-crafted short pants, Jedidiah’s mission shines through. And if the craftiness of the clothes was not reason enough to admire the brand, knowing that with each item sold, a portion of the money goes to a non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for those in need, is.

With its stylistic streetwear and creative appeal, Jedidiah has quickly become one of my favorite brands.

Check them out, Jedidiah

The Boardshort

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Okay, so I tried surfing a few days ago and let’s just say that I did not “catch wave.” Instead, it caught me. But it is not my fault, we do not surf in New York City, well there is train surfing, but that is a totally different topic.  Anyhow, this post is not about my failed attempt at surfing; instead, it is a review of the Jedidiah boardshort.

The boardshort was really comfortable, it was fitted enough that it stayed on my waist as I dropped, fell, and dog paddled, but still had enough space that I was able breath. In addition, the short is very lightweight and super soft. What I like the most about this boardshort is its durability and fast drying material. And unlike other boardshorts, there is a sort of a safety fabric at the crotch of the short, which protects the front area from being snagged on the Velcro—a very important feature based on the stories I have heard from surfers.

Whether you are a surfer or plan on surfing, what are you waiting for? Try the Jedidiah boardshort you will not regret it.

Boardshort | Jedidiah

Store Spotlight: SOGO (Sun’s Out Guns Out)

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Founded during the summer of 2011 in San Francisco, California, by Raphael Durand, Eric Morgon, Manuel Garcia, and Kyle Promes, Sun’s Out Guns Out (SOGO) has captured the attention of fans—myself included—across the country. Tank tops, the brand’s signature apparel is far from dull, with bubble letters reminiscent of street art from the San Francisco Bay Area, and an image of a mellow sun on every tank, SOGO is definitely about chilling out and having fun.

At first, I was never really a fan of tanks because I felt that you had to be built like Arnold Schwarzenegger to pull it off—okay, well maybe not that build, but you get the point. However, with SOGO tanks I do not feel that way, maybe it is the fun colors or design, I cannot really put my finger on it. Either way SOGO is a brand that I recommend, so what are you waiting for? The sun is out, time to get your guns—of any size—out.

Check Them Out, SOGO 

Warm Weather Layers

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Who says that you cannot layer up when it is warm out side? I do it all the time, it is all about how you layer. For example, do not wear a merino wool sweater with a button-down shirt when it is 75 degrees outside, instead, go light. Pair a tank top with a button-down or flannel shirt–with the sleeves rolled up–think of it as a t-shirt that is cut open. And finish with your favorite jean and sneakers. Although it is fun to show some skin, it also cool to layer up.

Blue Tank Top | SOGO

Red Flannel Shirt | Uniqlo

Olive Corduroy Pant | Levi’s

Black and White Sneakers | Converse

Store Spotlight: Bensimon

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A few months ago my close friend introduced me to Bensimon and since then I have become a fan. For over 25 years the French brand has maintained the vision of Serge and Yves Bensimon, presenting the world with a unique collection of shoes, bags, and other clothing items.

Using high quality, natural fabrics in every collection, Bensimon has made a name for itself in the fashion realm. What I find most interesting about the brand is that the collections are sewed with transparent thread—a Bensimon signature. And while I love the Bensimon collections, it is the brand’s shoes that appealed to me. As a man who is always on the lookout for unique, creative, and well-crafted footwear, Bensimon has drawn me in. Although the shoes are simple, the design and craftsmanship of every pair adds a unique outlook to it. In short, I admire Bensimon and highly recommend the brand to everyone.

Check Them Out, Bensimon

Shoes Make The Man

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I guess you could say that I am a little obsessed with Bensimon shoes—okay, maybe ‘little’ is a bit of an understatement—but who could blame me. I love the uniqueness of the shoes, from its design to the material that it is made of; they are not your typical tennis shoes. Not to mention they are versatile, a feature I always look for when buying shoes. We can all agree that shoes make the man. And Bensimon has been on top of that ideology since the end of World War II.

Canvas Sneakers | Bensimon

Blue Denim Jean | Levi’s

Navy Blue Short Pant | Old Navy

Hawkings McGill Yellow Button-Down | Urban Outfitters

Blue Button-Down | French Connection

Store Spotlight: Carhartt

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With over 120 years under its belt, Carhartt has retained a strong presence in the workwear industry. I have been a fan of the brand since my mom bought my first “duck jacket” when I was 15. What I admire most about Carhartt is the quality and durability of the clothing. The brand definitely stays true to its key values of “durability, comfort, fit, function and style.” Simply put, you do not have to worry about their clothes falling apart after a few wears or washes. Not to mention, the clothes are affordable.

Carhartt is a brand dedicated to providing high quality clothing at reasonable prices and while its foundation lies in workwear, Carhartt clothing can be worn for any casual occasion, and is one of my favorite brands.

Check Them Out, Carhartt

Dashing In Denim

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The Carhartt denim jacket is one of my favorite pieces; its edgy look differentiates it from other denim jackets and can add pizzazz to almost any outfit. In addition to its versatility, the bold yellow stitching and tight finish adds to its overall appeal, making the jacket standout even more. Carhartt has managed to incorporate the durability and tough look of the brand’s other jackets into a piece that is not only stylish, but comfortable. Pair it with a light denim jean and a graphic t-shirt for a total edgy look or with a colored pant and plaid button-down for softer edgy look, either way the Carhartt denim jacket is a must-have item.

Denim Jacket | Carhartt

Green Pant | Levi’s

Desert Boots | Clarks

Hawkings McGill | Urban Outfitters

Love for the Duck

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Carhartt has always been known for its work wear, especially the infamous “duck jacket,” which has inspired many brands across the world to make their own version of this classic piece.

I love the durability of this jacket; it is heavy-duty so it will definitely last a long time and looks even better as it ages.  As for the craft of the jacket, it is pretty good, there are hardly any pull-threads and the stitching is noteworthy. Not to mention its mocha color allows for versatility. And for a heavy-duty jacket, it is lightweight, which adds even more to its appeal. In short, the duck jacket embodies the ideal outerwear: it looks good; it is long-lasting, versatile, and, most importantly well made.

Tan Duck Jacket  | Carhartt

Chic of a Gentleman

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So, I surprisingly but pleasantly ran into one of the models that I used when I first kicked of my blog. Despite not seeing each other since, I was not surprised to see how stylish he still is. For this reason, I felt compelled to take his picture…for old times sake. I loved that he used a suit jacket instead of blazer because it gave his outfit a different look. I also loved his mixture of neutral colors. Although they were simple, the colors worked well with each other.

A Feminine Twist To A Man’s Style

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Although these shoes are for women, when I first saw them I knew they were something I had to write about. Bed | Stü was able to take this masculine style— a chukka boot, boat shoe hybrid, a style commonly seen with men’s shoes—and give it a touch of femininity, with the sleeker body. The stitching on this shoe is very detailed and precise, as if it were made under a microscope. This not only shows that a great deal of effort went into making them, but that they will last a long time. What I like the most about the shoe is that it kept its signature rugged look—the defining feature of Bed | Stü. As a man of style I can appreciate good-looking shoes even though I cannot wear them. And I would so buy the men’s version. Actually… I might do that now.

Bed Stu Aunt Margie Tan Greenland Shoes | Bed | Stü

The MOSCOT Window Unveiling

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In light of the 2012 MOSCOT Sun Campaign, which launched today, a new window at the Court Street, Brooklyn shop in Cobble Hill was unveiled. Designed by the MOSCOT creative team, the exquisite display of eyewear is artfully showcased in the shop front, which is reminiscent of the 1934 MOSCOT storefront on Rivington Street.

Check them out, MOSCOT

Store Spotlight: Bed | Stü

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Bed | Stü has been a brand that I have admired for years. Inspired by the lifestyle, people, and culture found in Bedstuy, Brooklyn, Bed | Stü has quickly become a pioneer for men and women’s shoes. Since 1995, the brand has been dedicated to creating well-crafted and unique footwear.

Bed | Stü never fails to impresses me because their footwear is never over the top. Instead, they are simple, comfortable, stylish, and versatile—four characteristics I always look for when buying shoes. In addition to their vintage look, the craftsmanship of their shoes is what appeals to me the most.

The stitching on every shoe is very detailed and precise—as if each shoe was made under a microscope. This not only shows that a great deal of effort went into making them, but their shoes are durable. I guess you can say being handcrafted using the finest natural materials available makes their shoes worth it.

Bed | Stü is an amazing brand offering classic styles with attitude–no wonder the brand boasts a cult following with its fans–and is definitely a place for men of style.

Check Them Out, Bed | Stü

Store Spotlight: Lacoste

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Lacoste has been a part of my life since the age of 13–I remember having their signature polo shirts in almost every color. Founded in 1933 by René Lacoste, who revolutionized men’s fashion by remodeling the classic attire for tennis and golf, shortening the sleeves, slimming the cut, and embroidering the trademarked crocodile logo on the chest.

In addition to the used of supreme quality fabrics, what I love about Lacoste is the clean-cut look of the clothing because it allows for versatility–the clothes can be dressed for almost any occasion. While the idea of what is fashionable is  constantly changing, what is ‘in’ today, might be ‘out’ tomorrow, Lacoste is a great example of a brand who manages to maintain its traditional roots while incorporating elements of modern fashion. For example, adding a sneaker graphic print the traditional anorak, giving it a dash of modernity, but not so overwhelming that it takes away from its design.

The crocodile logo is used to represent ”the elegance of the champion,” and I agree. Lacoste embodies what it means to the best and strives to share the idea of elegance and comfort with anyone who proudly wears the clothes with the embroidered crocodile logo on the chest.

Check Them Out, Lacoste